“Motherhood Is My Strength”
My name is Leah, and I’m a mom to three amazing children: my oldest, Selma, who is 13, and my twins, Isabella and Reynaldo, who are 3 years old.
Fourteen years ago, when I found out I was pregnant with Selma, I was in denial. I was using drugs. I was taking a mental health class at Terros when a woman told me about Choices where I could take a free pregnancy test. I remember saying, “I can’t possibly be pregnant”.
But it was. I was about five weeks pregnant. That day I quit using cold turkey and I haven’t looked back since. I am now 14 years clean and sober.
I was nervous, but I was also excited. I knew I wanted to be a mom. The father of my oldest was scared and worried about what his family would think, but I didn’t let that take away from my joy.
Three years ago, I found myself pregnant again—but this time, everything was different. One night, I asked my husband to bring home some pregnancy tests. I took six or seven of them, and every single one was positive.
Not long after, I became extremely sick and had to go to the hospital. We soon found out we were expecting twins.
I remember my visits to Choices and seeing just how tiny my babies were. Seeing that ultrasound was so exciting. It made everything real—I was really pregnant, and I was really going to be a mom again.
My decision to parent was never in question, but Choices gave me resources, support, and knowledge I desperately needed. Choices was there with classes, support, diapers, baby supplies, and a baby boutique. Those resources made a real difference for me and I am so grateful that they could walk with me even ten years after my first visit.
Today, it’s amazing to think about how much my life has changed. Fourteen years ago, I had one baby. Three years ago, I was carrying two babies at the same time. Now I’m raising three children who have completely changed my life.
Motherhood has taught me that patience is the key. Motherhood is my strength. It has changed me, and I’ll never look back.
Being a parent was always my dream.
Choices helped me realize that being a mom is my number-one priority in life. Being a mother means being so much to the little people who depend on you.
I wouldn’t change it for anything.
